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We drove a $32,000 Subaru Forester that rivals the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Here are its coolest features.
We drove a $32,000 Subaru Forester that rivals the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Here are its coolest features.
Apr 10, 2019, 22:18 IST
1. Updated styling: Aesthetically though, you'd be hard-pressed to spot the difference between the new model and its outgoing predecessor. In other words, it's undeniably a Subaru. Overall, the styling is restrained and handsome.
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2. Interior ergonomics: The interior is rather impressive. While the Forester's cabin isn't exactly stylish or plush, it's very roomy and well-designed. Cabin ergonomics and button placement are on point.
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3. Interior quality: The cabin feels solidly put together while material quality is impressively high. Everything about this interior gives you the impression that it's built to last.
4. Easy to use infotainment: Our test car came equipped with the optional eight-inch touchscreen running Subaru's Starlink infotainment system. Lower trim Foresters come equipped with a 6.5-inch unit.
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We were impressed with Starlink's simple, straightforward layout as well as its high feature content.
Features include satellite radio, weather data, roadside assistance alert, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability.
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5. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
6. A secondary infotainment screen: The Forester's center console features not one, but two infotainment screens. It's the same setup found in both the Crosstrek and the Ascent.
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The secondary display, which is controlled using the "Info" button on the steering wheel, is just as useful.
It offers readouts of the vehicles trip computer, climate control...
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... Secondary engine gauges, its active safety systems, the radio, the weather, the all-wheel-drive system.
7. Subaru Eyesight: The EyeSight driver assistance system comes standard on all Foresters.
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EyeSight includes adaptive cruise control, automatic pre-collision braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and pre-collision throttle management. The system, which works through a pair of cameras located on either side of the rear-view mirror, worked brilliantly and is a true asset to Subaru.
8. Roomy cabin: Overall, the Forester's cabin feels roomy, airy, and inviting. The second row is particularly impressive with ample head and legroom for even the taller among us.
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9. Panoramic glass roof: The massive, standard panoramic sunroof certainly helps create an open feel.
10. Cargo room: Open up the rear hatch and you'll find 33 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats up. Fold the second row down and cargo capacity increases to a voluminous 70.9 cubic feet.
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11. Spare tire.
12: Standard all-wheel-drive: The Forester's standard AWD system can operate in several modes including dirt, snow, and mud.
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13: Ground clearance: The Forester's 8.7 inches of ground clearance along with the AWD system should be able to get you through most sticky situations
14. Drive modes: For everyday driving, Subaru has included two additional driving modes you can activate using the buttons on the steering wheel.
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Sport mode calibrates the drivetrain for performance, while Intelligent mode aims for smoothness and fuel economy.